In case your older PC is abruptly feeling unloved by Microsoft, you’re not alone.
A couple of million Home windows 10 and Home windows 11 customers have downloaded and put in Zorin OS 18, a Linux working system distro constructed to feel and appear acquainted to Home windows customers.
The milestone comes simply months after Microsoft ended mainstream assist for Home windows 10 and rolled out stricter safety necessities for newer variations of Home windows.
In beneath three months, Zorin OS 18 has crossed 2 million downloads, with the bulk coming straight from Home windows methods. Zorin Group confirmed the milestone on its official X account, highlighting simply how a lot of the expansion is tied to Home windows customers.
“Zorin OS 18 simply crossed 2 million downloads in beneath 3 months. Greater than ¾ of those downloads got here from Home windows customers, serving to to develop the Linux person base even additional. Thanks to everybody who supported and shared our largest launch ever,” the corporate wrote.
This implies roughly 1.5 million customers have doubtless swapped their Home windows 10 or 11 environments for Zorin’s different.
Timing labored in Zorin’s favor
Zorin OS 18 was launched on the precise day Home windows 10 reached the top of mainstream assist. With an estimated 240 million Home windows 10 PCs unable to improve, the timing proved important.
In response to Neowin, Zorin OS 18 pulled in over 100,000 downloads inside days, handed a million downloads in simply over a month, and has now doubled that determine.
Home windows Central describes the surge as one in all Linux’s largest progress tales of 2026, pushed by Home windows 10’s retirement, {hardware} limits, and rising frustration with AI options and built-in bloat in Home windows.
There isn’t a clear proof that each obtain ends in a everlasting swap. Some customers might merely be testing Linux or setting it up alongside Home windows. Nonetheless, the size of curiosity is tough to disregard.
Home windows nonetheless dominates the desktop. Knowledge cited by Home windows Central reveals Home windows holding over 94% of installs in Steam’s {hardware} survey, whereas Linux accounts for a a lot smaller share (3.58%). Nonetheless, Linux utilization is climbing, and Zorin OS is rising as one of many largest beneficiaries of that pattern.
Zorin OS will not be alone in seeing renewed curiosity, however its Home windows-like design and cautious timing have made it a well-liked touchdown spot. As Microsoft continues to lift {hardware} and safety bars, extra customers might no less than discover alternate options, even when solely to maintain ageing PCs alive.
Additionally learn: Microsoft’s 2026 end-of-support checklist consists of Home windows 11 24H2 and Workplace 2021, with key dates organizations ought to monitor.
